Morocco on Wednesday launched in Rabat the National Program for Inspecting the Working Conditions of Private Security Guards, under the theme “For Decent Work”, with the aim of strengthening compliance with labor legislation and improving working conditions for employees in the sector.
The launch was overseen by the Minister of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment and Skills, Younes Sekkouri. The initiative comes particularly in the context of the recent amendment to Article 193 of the Labor Code, which concerns working hours.
The program provides for enhanced inspections of private security and guarding companies, with particular emphasis on compliance with legal working-hour requirements, the organization of schedules and the accurate recording of hours worked.
Three Main Areas of Action
The program is structured around three complementary areas.
The first focuses on field inspections, through visits aimed at verifying compliance with legal provisions governing working hours.
The second involves guidance and awareness-raising among employers and employees. The objective is to promote a better understanding of the provisions of Article 193 and help address difficulties that may arise in their implementation.
The third area focuses on preventing violations and promoting a culture of compliance with labor legislation.
Particular Focus on Working Hours
Speaking on the occasion, Younes Sekkouri highlighted the importance of the program given the specific nature of the private security and guarding sector.
Working-time arrangements are a major issue in the sector, given the frequent use of shift work, night work and continuous security duties.
The program therefore seeks to ensure that companies operating in the field establish clear and organized schedules, comply with statutory working hours and accurately and transparently record the hours actually worked.
It also aims to prevent practices designed to circumvent legal requirements or impose overtime that does not comply with applicable regulations.
Towards Better Protection for Workers
Beyond monitoring working hours, the program is intended to provide a clearer assessment of employment conditions across the sector.
The findings from inspections will be used to assess the situation regarding working hours, wages, social protection and occupational safety.
The initiative is also expected to contribute to harmonizing inspection methods and strengthening coordination among regional and provincial services.
Through this program, the authorities aim to strengthen compliance with labor legislation in the private security sector and promote the principles of decent work for employees.
